Sail Port Stephens Commodores Cup day 2 - Challenging for all

MEDIA RELEASE 17 Apr 2012

Sail Port Stephens Commodores Cup day 2 - Challenging for all

In Division 2 yesterday's line honours and handicap winner, Len Payne's Kerinda, a Lidguard 10.6, was fast off the line ahead of the Beneteau First 30 Boules, skippered by Micha Lane but Boules, on the outside had more speed. Third was Greg Wilkin's Archambault 30 Esprit with Chris Ryan's Beneteau 36.7 First Light inside her.

With decent breeze the division leaders were back abeam d'Alboras at Shoal Bay within thirty minutes of the start.

As they approached Salamander Shores Iota was 300 metres ahead of Euphoria, then came Long Time Dead, just ahead of Margaret Rintoul V.

Another 100 metres further back was Patrice Six, who rounded the Salamander Shore mark with Last Tango, skippered by Adam Brown. However Patrice Six cleared away from her rival.

As they rounded the top of Middle Island, the red shute of Iota appeared to be just ahead of Long Time Dead and Margaret Rintoul V. The three boats were all within 150 metres of each other, quite a shock for the three fishermen in a small tinny caught in the middle of the action.

Euphoria followed then Last Tango, who had sailed through a slower Patrice Six after going above her and picking up a puff.

In Division 2 Kerinda at the top of Middle Island, was well clear of her division rivals.

Through the gloom, Europa's navigation lights could be seen. Behind them came Antipodes, Greg Newton's Beneteau 523 and next was Boules, 200 metres ahead Anthony Patterson's Tow Truck (Beneteau 34.7) in the very light and ever softening conditions.

Kerinda was ten minutes ahead of the rest of the fleet and looked to be heading for her second line honours win.

The well charted Manton Bank was doing good business, with George Snow's Argo Blue motoring backwards before retiring.

Their key rival John Clinton's Holy Cow sailed high around them with broad smiles. Several other boats visited the same spot and were sighted with sailors out on their booms.

By 1330 the southerly front had reached Williamtown with winds of 16 knots recorded, while at Nobbys Head it was 19 knots, but at Soldiers Point there was glass.